Chapter 915

Preston Sinclair gazed deeply into Evelyn's eyes as he held her hands firmly in his. His grip was steady, reassuring.

"You don't need to apologize, Evelyn. I'll explain everything when the time comes. Nothing matters more than you."

The warmth in his eyes was overwhelming. Evelyn's pulse quickened. She wanted to look away, but that would've been too obvious.

She shook her head. "I still think we should keep it hidden. Unless Oliver himself senses something's wrong, this secret can't come out."

Sometimes, the truth shattered worlds.

How could she do that to the boy?

Preston smiled but stayed silent. He understood the situation perfectly.

The secret wouldn't stay buried forever. But Evelyn's concern still touched him.

He wheeled her closer to the window, letting her enjoy the view while he refreshed the vase of foxtail lilies nearby. He'd bought them earlier from a florist down the street. Their delicate fragrance filled the room.

Evelyn didn't seem to mind.

Their relationship wasn't fiery passion, but it wasn't stagnant either. Both were making efforts—Preston inching closer, Evelyn not pulling away. His careful, considerate approach never made her uncomfortable.

The door swung open.

William Sterling marched in, Alexander trailing behind. Alexander already knew what this meant—all company matters would be dumped on him now.

Resigned, he stayed quiet. Did Evelyn "Lil E" Sterling feel no shame working in spurts like this?

The two men froze in the doorway.

Evelyn sat in her wheelchair, sipping coffee with an afternoon snack. An iPad played an old drama series on the table.

Beside her, Preston peeled fruit with his sculpted fingers. He speared a piece with a toothpick and brought it to her lips.

"Ah—"

Evelyn bit into it without glancing away from the screen. Preston tenderly wiped the corner of her mouth.

William and Alexander witnessed the entire scene. Their expressions twisted in identical dismay.

William cleared his throat sharply, shattering the couple's bubble.

Evelyn turned, spotting them. Then she looked back at Preston.

This was moving too fast—him meeting her family as her boyfriend.

"Dad, Alex, what brings you here?"

Preston rose smoothly, greeting them before offering his seat to William. William took it without hesitation. That earlier scene had nearly given him heartburn.

"Why aren't you recuperating at home? That little brat Lucas—I told him to fetch you, and he bolted!"

Evelyn knew exactly why. Preston had explained everything.

"He's busy. I'm fine here."

William suppressed a growl. "Lucas has no sense of priority!"

His gaze softened as he studied his daughter. "Two injuries now. Does it hurt this time?"

Before Evelyn could introduce Preston properly, William ignored him entirely.

Preston didn't mind. He simply stood aside.

William scanned the room critically. "If you won't come home, I'll send the housekeeper and butler. They'll bring your clothes. This place is tiny—Dr. Whitmore was stingy designing this VIP suite!"

Alexander's lips twitched.

Evelyn blinked. "Dad, this is a hospital. The staff would just be in the way. Besides, I don't need them."

She glanced up at Preston, who immediately spoke. "I'll take care of her, Mr. Sterling."

William finally looked at him. "Mr. Sinclair, why are you here? When did you arrive? I didn't see you earlier."